CountyScore

Ottawa County

Ohio · OH

#36 in Ohio
68.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Ottawa County, Ohio

Ottawa exceeds national livability baseline

Ottawa County scores 69.6, surpassing the national median of 50.0 by 39%, placing it in the 70th percentile nationwide. The county delivers solid livability across measured dimensions.

Just above Ohio's state average

At 69.6, Ottawa scores 0.8 points above Ohio's state average of 68.8, placing it slightly ahead of the median county. The county demonstrates stable, middle-tier livability for Ohio.

Highest incomes in the eight-county group

Ottawa's Income Score of 32.8 is the highest among these counties, with median household income at $75,728. The county also maintains reasonable housing costs (median home value $200,700) and a balanced Tax Score of 71.7.

Limited visibility on other quality measures

Safety, health, school, and environmental data are not yet available, leaving significant gaps in the overall livability assessment. The effective tax rate of 1.087% is slightly elevated compared to some peers.

Best for families prioritizing income potential

Ottawa County appeals to working families and professionals seeking higher household incomes alongside reasonable housing and tax positions. The county offers the strongest wage baseline in this cohort for employment-focused households.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax71.7Cost77.3SafetyComing SoonHealth74.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome32.8Risk40.9WaterComing Soon
🏛71.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠77.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼32.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤74.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡40.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Ottawa County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

DeKalb County
Alabama
68.5
Median income: $51,149
Russell County
Alabama
68.5
Median income: $50,046
Talladega County
Alabama
68.5
Median income: $56,249
Dodge County
Georgia
68.5
Median income: $50,152
Rice County
Kansas
68.5
Median income: $63,947

Deep Dives

Ottawa County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Ottawa County

via TaxByCounty

Ottawa taxes fall slightly below U.S. median

Ottawa County's effective tax rate of 1.087% sits just slightly above the national median of 1.08%, keeping it near the U.S. middle ground. Homeowners pay a median of $2,181 annually—19% less than the national median of $2,690—despite homes valued 29% below the national average.

Close to Ohio's middle ground

Ottawa County's rate of 1.087% runs just below Ohio's state average of 1.148%, placing it squarely in the middle tier of Ohio's 88 counties. Its median tax of $2,181 is nearly identical to Ohio's median of $2,145, reflecting typical statewide property tax burdens.

Moderate taxes in the regional context

Ottawa County's 1.087% rate sits between Morrow County's 1.100% and Paulding County's 1.090%, making it very competitive with nearby counties. Only Montgomery County's 1.777% exceeds Ottawa by a significant margin, meaning most neighbors pay similar rates.

Ottawa's typical annual bill

On a median home valued at $200,700, Ottawa County residents pay $2,181 annually—about $182 per month. Those with mortgages see escrow of $2,295, while cash buyers typically remit $1,991 directly to the county.

Assessment accuracy still matters

Ottawa County homeowners should verify their property assessment just like anywhere else; evaluation errors are common even in moderate-tax counties. A free appeal to the county auditor is worth your time if recent sales suggest your home is overvalued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Ottawa County

via CostByCounty

Ottawa: Above-National Income, Best Affordability

Ottawa County renters spend just 14.4% of their income on rent—the lowest ratio among all eight counties—while earning $75,728 annually, slightly above the national average of $74,755. This combination of strong income and efficient housing costs makes Ottawa Ohio's affordability leader in this group.

Ottawa Leads Ohio's Housing Affordability

At 14.4%, Ottawa's rent-to-income ratio substantially beats Ohio's 15.6% average, ranking it among the state's most affordable counties for renters. The median rent of $909 sits just $36 above the state average, but Ottawa's higher median income of $75,728 creates the efficiency gap.

Highest Income Drives Affordability Advantage

Ottawa's 14.4% rent-to-income ratio significantly outpaces nearby counties: Morrow (15.9%), Montgomery (18.0%), and all deep-rural options, even though Ottawa's median rent of $909 is not the lowest. Ottawa's competitive advantage stems from its superior median income at $75,728, anchored by strong regional employment.

Strong Income Cushions Housing Expenses

The $909 monthly rent represents just 14.4% of Ottawa's $75,728 median income, while homeowners dedicate 15.3% to their $963 monthly cost—both well below strain thresholds. Ottawa households retain substantially more discretionary income than peers in lower-income counties, supporting both savings and consumer spending.

Ottawa: Affordability Plus Opportunity

If you're relocating to Ohio and seeking the best combination of housing affordability and economic opportunity, Ottawa County delivers: 14.4% rent-to-income ratio and median income of $75,728. Compare Ottawa's balanced profile against rural affordability leaders like Paulding or Perry—Ottawa costs slightly more but offers significantly better employment stability and wage growth.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Ottawa County

via IncomeByCounty

Ottawa exceeds national income benchmark

Ottawa County's median household income of $75,728 surpasses the U.S. median of $74,755 by $973, placing it among stronger-performing counties nationally. The county's per capita income of $47,629 substantially exceeds Ohio's average of $35,642, indicating broad-based earning strength.

Clear leader among Ohio counties

At $75,728, Ottawa County ranks in the upper echelon of Ohio counties, exceeding the state average of $68,101 by $7,627. This leadership position reflects a diversified economy with strong manufacturing, agriculture, and service sectors.

Regional income champion by clear margin

Ottawa County's $75,728 median income leads all regional peers, significantly outpacing Morrow County ($71,047), Paulding County ($68,167), Montgomery County ($64,403), and all others. The county's economic strength stands distinct against surrounding regions.

Strong incomes meet housing costs easily

Ottawa County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.4% is the lowest in the region, and median home values of $200,700 are highly accessible at current income levels. Residents enjoy robust affordability and flexibility for additional savings or investments.

Ottawa's strength creates wealth opportunities

Ottawa County's above-national median income of $75,728 and exceptional per capita earnings of $47,629 provide genuine wealth-building potential. Maximize retirement contributions, consider investment property opportunities, and work toward long-term financial independence through diversified asset growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Ottawa County

via HealthByCounty

Ottawa Outperforms Nation on Life Expectancy

Ottawa County's 76.6-year life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 76.4 years, and at just 16.2%, its poor/fair health rate ranks lowest among these eight counties. Ottawa residents achieve both longevity and better overall health quality.

State's Healthiest County by Most Measures

Ottawa's 76.6-year life expectancy surpasses Ohio's state average of 74.8 years by nearly two years, and its 6.6% uninsured rate is the lowest in this group and below the state average of 7.5%. Ottawa emerges as one of Ohio's healthiest counties by both longevity and coverage metrics.

Clear Leader in Health Outcomes and Access

Ottawa's 76.6-year life expectancy and 16.2% poor/fair health rate outperform all peer counties, including Muskingum (74.4 years, 18.8% poor/fair) and Paulding (76.9 years, 21.0% poor/fair). Its 47 primary care providers per 100,000 residents rank among the strongest rural healthcare infrastructure in the region.

Strong Access Drives Better Health

Ottawa's 47 primary care and 126 mental health providers per 100,000 residents support preventive care and chronic disease management across the population. Combined with the state's lowest uninsured rate (6.6%), Ottawa's healthcare infrastructure delivers measurable health advantages.

Join the Majority with Coverage

Ottawa County's success story includes one of Ohio's lowest uninsured rates at 6.6%—but 6.6% of residents still lack protection. If you're without coverage, visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to access the care that supports Ottawa's healthy community.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Ottawa County

via RiskByCounty

Ottawa's risk moderately exceeds U.S. average

Ottawa County's composite risk score of 59.16 rates as "Relatively Low" but surpasses the national average, placing it slightly above the middle tier of American disaster risk. Residents face notably higher natural hazard exposure than most U.S. counties, driven primarily by tornado and flood threats.

Above-average risk within Ohio

Ottawa County's 59.16 score exceeds Ohio's 55.03 state average, ranking it among the state's moderate-risk counties. Tornado and flood hazards push the county above state baseline, though other threats remain relatively modest.

Riskier than many peers but manageable

Ottawa County (59.16) faces notably higher hazard exposure than Morgan County (18.23), Morrow County (24.40), and Perry County (25.99), but considerably less than Montgomery County (92.65). This positions it as a mid-range risk area within its regional context.

Tornadoes and floods present dual threat

Ottawa County's tornado risk scores 72.81, the county's highest hazard rating and a serious concern during spring and early summer. Flood risk at 72.61 follows closely, making both severe weather and water-related disasters the county's primary preparedness priorities.

Flood insurance and storm coverage critical

Ottawa County residents, especially those near waterways or in mapped flood zones, should secure separate flood insurance immediately—standard policies exclude flood damage. Verify your property's flood zone with FEMA and ensure your homeowners policy covers windstorm damage given the county's significant dual tornado and flood threats.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.